Summary
Ionic bonding
a) Evidence
The existence of ions is shown by the electron density maps of ionic compounds produced by x-ray diffraction. Ionic
compounds have high melting and boiling points due to the strong electrostatic forces between particles. They do not
conduct electricity in the solid state but do conduct electricity when molten or in solution (when the charged particles
are free to move). During electrolysis, positive ions move towards the cathode whilst negative ions move towards the
anode. If either or both of the ions are coloured, this motion may be visualised (e.g. copper(II) chromate contains blue
cations and yellow anions) as the ions move in opposite directions
b) Formation of ions
Cations are formed when an atom loses one or more electrons; anions by the gain of one or more electrons
c) Dot and cross diagrams -
+
Cations and anions may be represented by dot and cross diagrams showing
the net charge on the ions. It is conventional to show the ‘extra’ electrons on K Cl
an anion using the complementary symbol to its ‘own’ electrons
d) Lattices
Ionic crystals exist as giant (i.e. infinite) lattices (i.e. regular three-dimensional arrays) of ions
e) Ionic bond
An ionic bond is the net strong force of attraction between ions in a lattice. The force (F) between two oppositely
charged ions is proportional to the magnitude of each charge (q) and inversely proportional to the square of the
2
distance (r) between them: F = k.q1.q2 / r
f) Ionic radius
The ionic radius is the distance from the centre of the nucleus to the minimum in the electron density distribution
between two oppositely charged ions in a crystal. The radius of a given type of ion depends on numerous factors but
is roughly constant in a range of environments. Tables of average ionic radii for cations and anions are listed in
reference sources. Cations are smaller than their parent atoms whilst anions are larger. Ionic radii increase down a
+ + +
group (e.g. Li < Na < K ) due to the increasing number of electron shells in the ion. Ionic radii for isoelectronic ions
3- 2- - + 2+ 3+
decrease with increasing atomic number (e.g. N > O > F > Ne > Na > Mg > Al ) due to the increasing nuclear
charge acting on the same number of electrons
g) Born-Haber cycle
The lattice energy for an ionic compound cannot be determined directly by experiment. It must be determined by
applying Hess’s Law to the Born-Haber cycle, an example of which is given below for calcium chloride.
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller jasonsenoo. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £3.00. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.